Named in memory of Christophe Plantin (c.1520–1589), printer and founder of an important printing house in Antwerp. As a youth he learned the profession of bookbinder. In 1549 he settled in Antwerp and printed his first book there in 1555. Throughout the ensuing years he established himself as a printer of great fame. His “Officina Plantiniana” published the works of contemporary scientists (among others Dodoens, Mercator {see planet  (4798)}, Stevin and Vesalius {see planets  (2831) and  (2642), respectively}) and also many religious works. At the height of his career he had sixteen presses running, producing publications of exceptional quality. His greatest venture was the Biblia Regia. The “Officina” was sold in 1876 to the city of Antwerp and is now one of its most important museum pieces. (M 27736) _ _.